Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Weeping Evergreens in the Landscape

Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula')

Weeping evergreens are beautiful and graceful trees that can add much interest in the landscape. Often acting as a focal point, there are a variety of pendulous trees to choose from, each unique in its own way. An important characteristic of these trees is that several specimens from the same cultivar can range in size, shape and form. Since no two trees are identical they can become quite the conversation piece in the garden.

Weeping Norway Spruce (Picea abies 'Pendula') is hardy in USDA zones 2-8 and exhibits dark green cascading branches. Picea prefers a moderately moist well-drained soil and will tolerate a range of soil pH from strongly acidic to mildly alkaline. Weeping Norway Spruce will tolerate some partial shade but does best in full sunlight. This tree makes a beautiful specimen in the landscape and it also deer resistant. Weeping Norway Spruce is one of the more compact varieties of pendulous trees and ranges in height and width from 4-15 feet. The tree is quite versatile in that the branches can be trained while young to any desired stature, thus making it possible to use in smaller spaces.

Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus 'Pendula')

Weeping White Pine (Pinus strobus' Pendula') is a larger weeping evergreen in the conifer family displaying graceful soft blue-green needles on cascading branches. This tree thrives best in full sun and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Weeping White Pine prefers to be grown in a slightly acidic, moderately moist, well-drained soil. Height at maturity varies from 5-10 feet and width from 4-10 feet. Candles may be pruned in spring to keep this tree compact. This tree fits nicely into a variety of landscape styles ranging from foundation plantings to informal woodland settings.

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Pendula')

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica 'Pendula') is a favorite member of the conifer family displaying powdery blue-needles on graceful cascading branches. Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and does best in full sun in a well-drained soil. They can reach a mature height of approximately 10 feet tall and can span in width to 15-20 feet. Plant this tree where it is shielded from strong winter winds and give it plenty of space to grow for it will become a magnificent specimen and favorite in your garden.﻿

Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nookatensis 'Pendula')

Weeping Alaskan Cedar (Chamaecyparis nookatensis 'Pendula') is a "false" cedar of the genus cypress with graceful hanging dark green foliage on descending branches. Weeping Alaskan Cedar is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and prefers a moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It thrives best in full sun to light shade and prefers moderate humidity. Weeping Alaskan Cedar can reach a mature height of 20-40 feet and width of 15 feet. This majestic evergreen serves well as a screening tree or stand-alone piece in the landscape and develops into a beautiful specimen in its maturity.

Weeping evergreens can supply lasting color and form to any landscape and even look beautiful in winter as their cascading branches are graced with snow. Their range of form and color makes them very versatile in the landscape and they are reasonably easy to grow once established. If you are able to incorporate one of these majestic weeping evergreens into your landscape, you will not be disappointed. Each one is so unique and elegant that it will quickly become a favorite conversation piece and greatly admired focal point. For more ideas on gardening and design, visit myAuthor Page.

I I just purchased a Pinus strobus pendula (end of September) and I live on Long Island. When is the best time to plant it? Also any other suggestions and tips would help including pruning . Thank you!!

Hi Lisa. The best time to plant is now! Dig the hole a little larger than the root ball and add organic enriched topsoil around the plant with a little osmocote slow release fertilizer. Plant the tree slightly higher than the soil line and mulch so that the root flare ends up being even with the rest of soil around it. Very little pruning is needed with the tree. The only pruning you may want to do is to remove branches that are laying too low and getting covered with soil/mulch or some occasional pruning of branches to keep a nice weeping shape. Be sure to water your tree by hand 2-3 times a week (do not rely on an irrigation system alone) and water as late into November as possible until the ground freezes. Enjoy!

Hi! I have an interesting tree in the front yard of my new house, I think it's a weeping Norway spruce? Maybe? Wondering if I could send you a pic to see if we could identify so I can learn how to care for it and prune it properly. Thanks so much!!

I think I have a weeping blue cedar about 10 years old. the main branches and the ends of the branches seem to have healthy blue needles. the needles between the tips and the main stem are dead or dying. happens every spring. what's up. Northen Michigan

It is common for some evergreens such as cedars, pines and Hinoki Cypress to shed their inner needles once a year, which may be more noticeable in either spring or fall. It is part of a natural process. Here is an article I wrote back some time ago: https://landscapedesignbylee.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/browning-and-shedding-on-evergreens-in-the-fall-a-natural-process/

Thank you for visiting. I love reading your comments and knowing you have been here, and will try to reciprocate on your blog. If you have any questions I will try my very best to answer them. As always...HAPPY GARDENING!

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Welcome to A Guide to Northeastern Gardening. I am a landscape/garden designer, consultant and published book author of "A Guide to Northeastern Gardening-Journeys of a Garden Designer" and "Landscape Design Combinations". Involved in the horticultural field since 1996, I started this blog so that I could share my love of gardening with others. Join me for over 200 articles on general gardening, landscape design principles, gardening tips, planting, pruning, garden maintenance, feature plants and more. I look forward to and welcome your comments and will try my best to answer any questions that you may have. Thank you for visiting and do come back often! Happy Gardening! ~ Lee (A Guide to Northeastern Gardening)

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About Me

My husband and I live on the South Shore of Long Island, New York. I am a retired educator of 32 years, have been designing landscapes since 1996, and am the owner of my own landscape design business. My love of spending time in the garden has been and will always be a part of me. I started off by designing the gardens of friends and neighbors. With the encouragement of friends I decided to further my education in horticulture and design and became a landscape designer. I started up my business which grew by word of mouth and became what it is today. With shovel in hand since the age of five my love for creating now continues. When not designing I can be found in my own gardens planning the next addition...a never ending process. "A garden is an extension of its owner...a thing of beauty that constantly changes and can be enjoyed forever..."

Plant Hardiness Zone Maps

Hardiness Zones 3-9

The plants discussed in this blog are mainly hardy to zones 3-9. See individual plant details and the zone maps below for more information. An interactive USDA Map is located in the top navigation bar.